As a writer, you should not judge, you should understand.
Ernest Hemingway
As a writer, it is my job to understand humans as they are. If I place even one person under a microscope, I lose the context of their entire being. I remove them from their experiences, their feelings, their dreams, and place them in my own world. A world (your world) that they know nothing about.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s situations where making a judgement call in needed. I’m not referring to the type of judgements where life and death are at stake or business calls. I’m talking making judgements that would otherwise not affect your day to day living.
Why is it important that writers understand?
When we take time to understand those around us with an open heart/mind, we can write authentic characters. We can even guide our characters out of darkness and into the light, something we may not have access to in reality. BUUT what’s more important than getting a good story is that we can truly connect with our fellow humans on a much deeper level. What other reason to write than to make sure those around us feel less alone?
Jayne.press 